"Many things to say... but there is no way now"
Kim Yong-tae, former member of the People Power Party, emphasized that the uncontested nomination of lawyer Yoo Young-ha, known as a close aide to former President Park Geun-hye, in Daegu Dalseo-gap should be understood as a strategy for victory in the April 10 general election, stating, "In the end, there is no choice but unity."
On the 6th, Kim appeared on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show' and said, "I am one of the people who have a lot to say about that part," but added, "There is no other way now. Beyond small differences, there is only unity toward a greater goal."
Former People Power Party lawmaker Kim Yong-tae is holding a press conference to announce his candidacy for Goyang-jeong in the 22nd general election at the National Assembly Communication Hall on the morning of the 5th. Photo by Yonhap News
Regarding criticism that the People Power Party's nominations this time are 'indifferent nominations,' he countered, "Right now, the Democratic Party... everyone knows, right? The so-called 'death nomination' is a path to self-destruction," and "Compared to that, our People Power Party's nominations are relatively less disastrous."
About his decision to run in Goyang-jeong, Gyeonggi Province, despite having served three terms in Seoul Yangcheon-eul, he said, "On the evening of the 28th of last month, I received a call from the party secretary-general asking, 'Although it's late, can you run?' I was utterly baffled." He continued, "I replied that I was always ready to enter politics, so they told me to submit the nomination documents immediately and come for an interview. They didn't even tell me the district." He added, "On the morning of March 1st, I went to the interview venue and was told about running in Goyang-jeong, which I had never even considered. At that moment, my head felt dizzy, as if I had been hit with a mallet."
Initially, former lawmaker Kim Hyun-ah was uncontestedly nominated for Goyang-jeong, Gyeonggi Province. However, the emergency committee raised concerns over Kim Hyun-ah being under investigation for violations of the Political Funds Act, leading to a review and her subsequent cut-off. Although Kim Hyun-ah opposed the party's nomination committee decision, she eventually accepted the outcome and agreed to serve as the election campaign chairperson for Kim Yong-tae, campaigning together.
Kim said, "I asked Kim Hyun-ah to make a decision for Ilsan and for our party, saying that if she didn't, both she and I would be doomed, so let's go together." He added, "Since I am not familiar with this area, Kim Hyun-ah took full charge of the election, quickly handing over her campaign office and all organizations she used, and we dramatically became one team."
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